The podium - my little orchestra conductor’s office - is a space meant for just one person. But today, I invite you to stand here with me as we study together the music of leadership.

Over my lifetime - and especially during the pandemic - the nature of organisations, teams and the work environment has changed beyond recognition.

This new world demands a different approach to leadership; authentic, empathetic, responsive, adaptable… exceptional. 

For three decades, in addition to being a conductor of orchestras, I have been a conductor of people.

I’ve used the lessons of the podium to advise leaders in fields I know next to nothing about - politicians, entrepreneurs, scientists, soldiers, spies and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.

Drawing inspiration from history’s greatest conductors, I hope to inspire, motivate and create a platform for self-exploration. 

I seek to expand the leadership perspectives of others, with the intention of changing their own professional reality and that of their organisation for the better.

There is no single formula. Even if a leader or organisation does find its perfect solution - chances are it will have to be modified or changed when the world renders it irrelevant. 

Instead, leaders must develop the mindset and tools to create, embrace and enable positive change; to develop a musician's collaboration and a conductor's leadership; and to discover and inspire unpredictable brilliance.

Itay Talgam

Conductor and Leadership Expert

Itay Talgam was featured in a guide for aspiring professional coaches, produced by Manageable.

Praise for ‘The Ignorant Maestro: How Great Leaders Inspire Unpredictable Brilliance’ (2015)

"

Itay Talgam encourages us to open our minds and shows us that our ignorance can be our greatest advantage

Simon Sinek

Author of Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

"

An enthralling portrait of some of music's most fascinating conductors that serves as a vehicle for a remarkably thoughtful study of leadership. No musical experience needed - Itay Talgam brings the baton-wielding personalities to life, and the lessons ring clear

Stanley McChrystal

Former Commander of the US Forces in Afghanistan

"

A great conductor stands alone in front of an orchestra but knows that it is a collective genius of the group that creates something incredible. In this book, Itay Talgam reveals the counterintuitive lessons that business leaders can learn from world-famous conductors about empowering organisations and audiences

Ryan Holiday

Author of The Daily Stoic

Order here

Praise for ‘The Ignorant Maestro: How Great Leaders Inspire Unpredictable Brilliance’ (2015)

"

Itay Talgam encourages us to open our minds and shows us that our ignorance can be our greatest advantage

Simon Sinek

Author of Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action

"

An enthralling portrait of some of music's most fascinating conductors that serves as a vehicle for a remarkably thoughtful study of leadership. No musical experience needed - Itay Talgam brings the baton-wielding personalities to life, and the lessons ring clear

Stanley McChrystal

Former Commander of the US Forces in Afghanistan

"

A great conductor stands alone in front of an orchestra but knows that it is a collective genius of the group that creates something incredible. In this book, Itay Talgam reveals the counterintuitive lessons that business leaders can learn from world-famous conductors about empowering organisations and audiences

Ryan Holiday

Author of The Daily Stoic